The ethnicity and nationality of the actor has been quibbled online by fans criticising Disney's casting choice for Middle Eastern character Aladdin.

However, some fans have been celebrating the fact that a "genuine Arab" has been given the role.

Mena has spoken in the past about how his background has disadvantaged his professional life.

In a recent interview he said: “At this point in my career, being a visible minority in this industry still affects me...

“I can’t compete for roles that require me to be Caucasian or African American, even if those characters really connect with me and intrigue me.

"The competition may be less, some people would say, but the amount of work to be had is less as well. "However, I think the industry is growing more and more and starting to support actors of all cultural backgrounds.”